Broadcaster Emma Willis has disclosed that she was diagnosed with a hole in her heart last year, a condition she unknowingly lived with for 48 years. The 49-year-old discovered the defect during a routine health check in January 2024, which revealed an enlarged heart and an atrial septal defect – a hole between the heart’s collecting chambers. Medics confirmed it was congenital.
Willis underwent successful keyhole surgery at London’s Royal Brompton Hospital two months after diagnosis. She described the experience as 'floored' and 'terrifying', noting that the mental shift was the biggest challenge. 'My perspective on life shifted. From diagnosis to surgery was the most present I have been in my life,' she said.
The presenter is now championing a British Heart Foundation (BHF) campaign to raise awareness of heart conditions. As part of this, she met Aimee Nicholls, who also has a hole in the heart, and Nicholls’ son Leo, eight, who has congenital heart disease. Willis also spoke with Michelle White, a mother of three who has undergone 13 heart procedures.
The BHF is unveiling 65 red benches across the UK, each bearing the name of a heart condition survivor, to mark the charity’s 65th anniversary. Dr Charmaine Griffiths, BHF chief executive, urged donations for lifesaving research and thanked Willis and the others for sharing their stories.
Willis is set to take over Zoe Ball’s BBC Radio 2 Saturday lunchtime slot this weekend, a role she admitted to being 'nervous' about. She hopes her story will help others facing similar diagnoses.
